The global demand for thermoplastics is expected to grow by around 100,000 tons by 2015, driven by the developing economies. Polyethylene comprises 35% of this market and polypropylene is 24%, according to leading market consultant Noru Tsalic of Applied Market Information (AMI). This is an annual increase of 5.6%.

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, has been selected by The Dow Chemical Company to provide technology to produce propylene at a Dow production site in Texas. Dow Texas Operations will use Honeywell UOP C(3) Oleflex™ technology in a new propane dehydrogenation unit to convert shale gas-derived propane to propylene, a product used in the production of packaging, adhesives, coatings, cleaners and many other end-use applications. The facility will produce 750,000 metric tpa of polymer-grade propylene

SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business has inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art pilot facility that will allow chemistry and process development for its high performance polymers (HPP) – Ultem*, Siltem* and Extem* resins – product line. The new 3,000-sq.-ft., world-class facility is an innovation resource that will enable SABIC to more rapidly produce new polymers – particularly custom formulations – for customers.

The Dow Chemical Company has closed the sale of Dow’s global Polypropylene business to Braskem S.A. In addition to the transaction, the two companies will continue to evaluate potential future collaborations on growth opportunities in connection to their strategies.